Coppell closes in on Powell

ROYALS are on the verge of completing the signing of Crystal Palace central defender Darren Powell.

It is understood the 27-year-old has agreed personal terms and could sign in the next 24 hours - subject to a medical today and a pay-off from the south London club.

Powell looks to be over the thigh injury which has sidelined him since October, and he will be put through a rigorous fitness test today.

The Evening Post, though, has learned that the biggest stumbling block in the proposed £200,000 move could be over money Powell insists he is owed from Palace, who ironically play host to Reading this Saturday.

Powell, who joined the Eagles from Brentford in August 2002 for £400,000 has not received a penny in bonuses - which are thought to be around £50,000.

There is also the question of the money he is owed on the remainder of his current deal.

Powell did not ask for a move, but it is understood he is keen to join Royals and link up with Coppell, his former boss at Brentford.

The Hammersmith-born player said: "I don't want to leave the club (Palace) but if they have accepted an offer you have to listen to what the other club is saying.

"I was a bit shocked. I've been injured and I thought I'd get a bit of time to prove myself."

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